The 10 Most Photogenic Yokocho (Drinking Alleys) in Tokyo

Let’s head to old-school drinking alleys or Yokocho in Tokyo, hidden behind skyscrapers and high-rise buildings! These are the perfect spots to discover unique Japanese eateries, pubs, boutiques, and izakayas. 

Besides beautiful hotels, sightseeing spots, temples, and shrines, Tokyo is also home to hundreds of drinking alleys. Some even date back to the postwar years, making them ideal locations to immerse in ancient Japanese culture. Today, these drinking alleys have become trendy locations among youngsters and old travelers as they explore new restaurants, hit pubs, and hipster bars. 

Fall in love with the city’s culture and discover authentic dishes, handcrafted beers, and fun entertainment in Tokyo’s most photogenic yokocho. Continue reading to find out!

And if you want to get professional pictures in these drinking alleys in Tokyo, hire a photographer at Photo Trips. We have very cool photoshoot experiences dedicated to travellers! It’s super easy to book so make sure you check them out here: Best Photoshoot Experiences in Tokyo.

1. Nombei Yokocho (Shibuya)

Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya is one of the best drinking alleys in Tokyo. Also known as the Drunkard Alley, the head office of the Tokyo Railway Corporation was once located on this street. Today, it’s packed with Japanese eateries and yakitori shops that serve some of the best street food and sushi. 

If you want to discover international restaurants, Nonbei Yokocho has a wine bar and a French bistro. This drinking alley is close to the Shibuya Station and is easily accessible from Miyashita Park. 

2. Golden Gai (Shinjuku)

Golden Gai is another famous yokocho among travelers. This drinking alley has several bars packed with people from around the world, with only a few locals you can interact with. 

What you’ll love about Golden Gai are the unique bars with different architecture and vibes. From quirky and chill to high-end and classy, you can undeniably find a bar that matches your style. One thing to note about the pubs in Golden Gai is that the drinks can be expensive. Nevertheless, visiting this drinking alley remains an unforgettable experience, so we included Golden Gai on the list.

3. Nakano Yokocho

Nakano Yokocho is a popular backstreet alley because of its visual appeal. It’s filled with illuminated lanterns and cable-strung alleyways that make you feel like traveling to a different dimension. Moreover, Nakano Yokocho is an ideal spot to meet several locals and discover more about Japanese culture. 

You can find authentic izakayas, charming bars, yakitori grills, and modern eateries in this drinking alley. We also highly recommend celebrating special occasions in Nakano Yokocho because most establishments are open until sunrise. 

4. Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku)

Visiting drinking alleys in Tokyo is impossible without considering Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku. Travelers and locals call this the Memory Lane, and hundreds of special lanterns are displayed throughout the alleyways. 

Omoide Yokocho can be the best spot for your Instagram feed because of the ramen and yakitori shops that give off an authentic Japanese vibe. However, getting seats when traveling in groups might be hard because most bars and eateries can seat a maximum of 10 or fewer. We highly suggest visiting Kabuto if you’re craving grilled unagi skewers or Tajimaya for good quality coffee.

5. Harmonica Yokocho (Kichijoji)

Harmonica Yokocho was previously a flea market before becoming one of Tokyo's most popular drinking alleyways. It’s located in Kichijoji Station’s northern side and features renowned restaurants, clothing stores, groceries, and special shops for pork cutlets, taiyaki, yokan, or sweet bean jelly.

We recommend visiting Harmonica Yokocho at night to appreciate its true beauty, with the illuminated bars and eateries. Start with mouthwatering gyoza at Minmin, or head straight to Ahiru Beer Hall for draft beer.

6. Sankaku Chitai (Sangenjaya)

Sankaku Chitai is a mazelike alley near the Sangenjaya Station. The narrow streets in this yokocho are completely different from the other spots around the area because they didn’t undergo recent development. Nevertheless, the surroundings are charming, giving off a Japanese vibe. 

Sankaku Chitai is perfect for all ages because of its wide selection of old-fashioned shops, curry eateries, and yakitori joints. Herbal drinks are also famous in this drinking alleyway, especially at Yakushi. 

7. Ebisu Yokocho

Ebisu Yokocho is a buzzing food alley remnant of the Yamashita Shopping Center. We love this yokocho because it features different cuisines in beautiful restaurants that boast each cuisine’s unique culture. Choose from fresh fish sellers to mushroom stalls, oden, and Chinese eateries.

Ebisu Yokocho has several bars and pubs that serve good-quality beer, wine, and Japanese sake. This drinking alleyway is one of the most excellent spots for the entire night, as most stores and eateries are open until sunrise.

8. Amazake Yokocho

We recommend Amazake Yokocho if you don’t want a crowded alleyway but still want to experience its authenticity. This drinking alleyway has only around 70 shops, so it’s generally smaller than our other recommendations. But you can still have a complete yokocho experience with the views, lanterns, and outstanding eateries. 

Locals consider Amazake Yokocho a downtown gourmet because of its delectable selections, such as yakitori, soba, and tamagoyaki or rolled omelets. People who love sweet selections can also try soymilk donuts, ningyo-yaki cakes, and taiyaki. 

9. Ameyoko (Ueno)

Ameyoko, or Ameya Yokocho, is a drinking alleyway between Okachimachi and Ueno stations. This old-school spot was a black market before it became a famous yokocho among travelers and locals. From shops selling candies and leftover suppliers from the American military, Ameyoko is now home to almost 400 shops specializing in jewelry, cosmetics, clothing, fresh seafood, and souvenirs. 

What we loved the most about this yokocho is that most products have wholesale prices, so you’ll be able to save more. We also suggest visiting the basement floor inside the Ameyoko Center Building for the market that offers Chinese and Southeast Asian food. 

10. Hoppy Street (Asakusa)

Hoppy Dori is the most famous alleyway in Asakusa, named after the beer-like beverage. Most locals called this Stew Street. Hoppy Dori does not get as crowded as the other recommendations on our list, so it’s perfect when you prefer a more peaceful yokocho. 

Indulge in storefront bars that offer budget-friendly alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails. You’ll often see travelers and young locals scattered in different eateries and bars, so it’s a perfect way to get to know new people and build relationships. We highly suggest visiting Izakaya Koji or Suzuyosshi if you’re craving for simmered yellowtail or ham cutlets. 

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This guide proves that drinking alleyways or yokocho in Tokyo are worth spending your time on. Beyond discovering unique eateries and delicious beer, visiting these spots are a perfect way to meet new people and truly appreciate the beautiful Japanese culture. 

Do you want to discover photogenic spots in Tokyo? Check out this travel guide: The 20 Most Instagrammable Spots in Tokyo.